Alabama Marriage Age Requirements Laws

We’ve all probably daydreamed about it in our teens: running off with your first crush and getting married. And parents have surely worried about their children doing the same. But for that marriage to be legal in the Yellowhammer State, certain age requirements have to be met first. And that age generally depends on whether the kids have permission from their parents to get hitched. This is an introduction to the marriage age requirements in Alabama.

State Marriage Age Laws

While a few states have no statutory age limits on marriage, Alabama’s marriage age laws require parental consent for minors aged 16 to 17. In addition to parental consent, a $200 bond must be placed with the state for minors, but will be void “if there is no lawful cause why such marriage should not be celebrated.” Once you turn 18, however, you can get married as long as you meet the marriage license requirements.

Marriage Age Statutes in Alabama

Marriage age laws in Alabama are highlighted in the table below.

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Marriage Requirements

Unfortunately, there are no fairytale weddings without a few legal hurdles, mainly meeting the technical marriage requirements and obtaining the actual marriage license. Alabama residents must submit a marriage license application to a County Court Clerk and provide full names and identification. Be aware that if either party was divorced in the 60 days prior to applying for the marriage license, he or she will not be eligible to be married unless he or she is getting remarried. The marriage license fee varies by county, so check with your local county clerk for fee details and any additional requirements, as some counties may require you to pay in cash.

Alabama Marriage Age Requirements Laws: Related Resources

The decision to get married is a big one, and state laws on marriage are subject to change. You can contact an Alabama family law attorney if you would like legal assistance with a marriage matter. You can also visit FindLaw's section on Getting Married for additional articles and information on this topic.

Still Have Marriage Law Questions? Talk to an Alabama Family Attorney

Getting married is likely one of the biggest decisions that you will make in your life. If you are a minor who is ready to walk down the aisle, there are especially a lot of factors to consider. If you're in doubt about the legality of your marriage, you should consider speaking with an Alabama family law attorney today.